Discuss sexual prejudice in regard to sexual orientation, and why it is directed

Question

Discuss sexual prejudice in regard to sexual orientation, and why it is directed more at homosexual men than at lesbian women. Images and messages within every day life may contribute to people’s beliefs regarding sexual orientation. For example, consider why few people are threatened by girls dancing together in junior high or early high school, or by girls holding hands, but the same is not true for boys. Another example is to examine why sexually explicit magazines for men often show lesbian sex scenes if so many men claim to have negative attitudes about homosexuality. How might society's expectations of gender roles and acceptance of crossing gender role boundaries relate to the development of sexual prejudice specifically targeted at sexual orientation? How do these messages affect one's development of sexual identity and their attitudes about sexual orientation?

Explanation / Answer

Sexual prejudice is defined as the negative attitude towards an individuals based on their sexual orientation. Sexual prejudice is directed at homosexual people: both homosexual men and lesbian women. But, it is directed more at homosexual men than at lesbian women because it reflects their fear of being perceived as homosexual and their concerns about being the target of attraction of homosexual men. It is a psychological defense against a feeling of anxiety and threat. The religion also plays an important role in developing sexual prejudice. Thus persons with religious background get offended more when girls dance together or holding hands. Society plays an important role in development of sexual prejudice specifically targeted at sexual orientation. People express their sexual orientation through behaviour with others and is related to their deeply felt needs of love, affection, attachment and intimacy.

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